Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882

Grevy's zebra

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN) external link Showing: scientific names

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Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882

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Equus grevyi
Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882
Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882
Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882
Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882
Equus grevyi
Equus grevyi
Equus grevyi
Equus grevyi

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Table of Contents

Overview

Biology

Source and Additional Information
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ARKive external link
Copyright
Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Grevy's zebra has a much more open society than those of other equid species and associations between individuals, other than between a mother and her foal, rarely last for more than a few months (4). Within a single population around ten percent of the mature stallions will occupy territories from which they have sole access to receptive females, although other males are still tolerated within the area (2). These territories are patrolled and marked with dung and are the largest of any living herbivore, at up to 10km2 (2). Temporary groups of between six to twenty zebras also form and may be either single sex or mixed. Mares become sexually mature at three to four years and give birth to a single foal after a gestation period of 13 months every couple of years (2). Foals are able to stand after a mere six minutes and can run after 45 minutes (6), they remain dependent on their mother's milk until six to eight months of age (2). Grevy's zebras are predominately grazers, feeding on a variety of grasses, although they will also browse on trees and scrubs (4). Several theories exist as to the function of zebra stripes, from camouflage to the dazzling of predators. Recent research has suggested however, that they may serve a social function and may stimulate grooming (5). It is believed that the equine ancestor of horses, asses and zebras was striped, but these have subsequently been lost during the evolution of the other two groups (5).
"Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/129473". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.